Shorten announces $1.6 billion GST pledge

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten announced his plan for a “Fair Share for WA Fund”, which would see $1.6 billion invested into Australia to make up for the GST shortfall.

Currently Western Australia’s share of the GST is sitting at 34.4 cents per dollar of GST raised in the state, the proposed fund would give an equivalent to a 70 cent in the dollar share.

Mr Shorten promised that the fund would be legislated to ensure funds for WA, and that he plans on being “the first Prime Minister to fix the problem”.

“I do not need a review to tell me that 34 cents in the dollar is a dud deal for the west,” Mr Shorten said.

“This funding is above and beyond the existing commonwealth contribution, it is an invaluable chance to invest… in your states infrastructure.

Mr McGowan said that he was happy with Mr Shorten’s promise, despite having previously argued for either an 80 cent floor or a per capita distribution for GST.

“A 70 cent floor in the dollar is an important step… of course we would like to see it go further, but I am very appreciative of the fact that at least one side nationally is taking our state seriously.”